A mohawk on natural hair rarely means shaved sides. Most of the styles in this collection create the shape by smoothing, pinning, twisting or braiding the sides upward and letting curls, coils or twists form the crest. That makes the frohawk one of the most flexible looks for Afro-textured hair, ranging from quick wash-day styles with bobby pins to salon-made designs with cornrows, stitch braids, flat twists or spider-web braiding.
The gallery includes a blown-out frohawk with coily bangs, a sisterlock mohawk with thin side twists, Bantu knots paired with scalp twists, a bridal faux hawk decorated with flowers and short tapered cuts that leave springy coils on top. Colour features heavily too, with blonde, golden brown, fuchsia, purple and burgundy versions.
Height on top elongates the face, so frohawks are particularly flattering on round faces. Shorter natural hair suits pinned or tapered versions, while longer or stretched hair can carry a dramatic puff or a bubble ponytail.
1. Free and Lovely
A short natural mohawk keeps curls loose and free for a soft, flirty feel. Oversized earrings or a statement headband complete the look. Because the shape relies on the hair’s own texture, it is very easy to maintain between cuts.
Inspiration: @heycurlie
2. Color with Style
Half blonde and half black, this braided mohawk updo is a dramatic two-tone statement. Braided mohawks can be done at a salon to last for weeks, or practised at home until you achieve the exact shape you want.
Inspiration: @heycurlie
3. Garden of Color
Bright fuchsia and flower-inspired shades turn a braided frohawk into a showpiece. There is no need to stick to natural colours; vivid tones accentuate the height of the crest. Use a colour-safe moisturiser to keep dyed coils soft.
Inspiration: @kersti.pitre
4. Voluminous Fro for Coily Hair
Longer, blown-out coily hair forms a voluminous frohawk that feels less like a traditional mohawk but has its own charm. Coily bangs at the front add a cool extra detail. Use a heat protectant before blow-drying to safeguard the curl pattern.
Inspiration: @anima.agyeman
5. Bohemian Mohawk Style
Expertly crafted flat twists line the sides and lead into loose boho curls on top, creating an intricate twisted frohawk. The mix of neat twists and soft curls makes this an impressive option for special events.
Inspiration: @naturalcentric
6. Bright Blonde Curly Mohawk
A two-tone curly fauxhawk with bright blonde shades makes a protective style more playful. Blonde tones complement caramel skin and highlight the shape of each curl. Deep condition regularly, since lightened curls tend to be drier.
Inspiration: @daniellamaydance1
7. Defined Spiral Frohawk
Defined spiral curls are pinned into a festive faux hawk, with carefully placed bobby pins holding the shape. A good moisturiser keeps the curls soft. It is a smart solution for hair too short to gather into a pineapple or low ponytail.
Inspiration: @ashlydanielaa
8. Wedding Faux Mohawk Hairstyles
A voluminous braided faux mohawk decorated with delicate flowers suits a creative bride. The twisted shape feels elegant and unique. A finishing spray helps the style keep its form from the ceremony to the last dance.
Inspiration: @dyacoiffure
9. Golden Brown Sleek Frohawk
Thick hair is divided into sections to create a sleek, puffed frohawk with golden brown and caramel tones. Working in sections makes styling easier and gives a more balanced result. The warm colour adds glow against deeper skin tones.
Inspiration: @makeupartistlayana
10. Sisterlock Mohawk with Side Twists
Tiny sisterlocks form the crest of this mohawk, while thin twists replace slicked-back sides. The combination is protective and highly detailed. Sisterlocks are installed with a specialist technique, so book a trained loctician. Retightening sessions every four to six weeks keep the tiny locs neat at the root.
Inspiration: @hairbylovlelocs
11. Wild and Curly
A quick, tousled curly mohawk is made by twisting up the sides and combing the curls into shape. Golden hoops or other favourite jewellery add a glamorous finish. It is an easy go-to style for busy days.
Inspiration: @michellethompsonhair
12. Intricate Mohawk Style
Thin cornrows on the sides bring elegance and structure to a twisted mohawk, making natural hair much easier to manage in this shape. The intricate design is a guaranteed conversation starter. Ask for medium tension on the cornrows so the hairline stays comfortable for weeks.
Inspiration: @lindseylulala
13. Gentle Afro Mullet Mohawk
An afro becomes a soft mohawk mullet by slicking back the sides and pinning hair towards the crown. Arrange the curls into shape and smooth the sides with a foam for a contrast between sleek and textured.
Inspiration: @wuraa.olaa
14. Stylish Quick Weave Fohawk
A quick weave pixie in a mohawk shape lets you try short, sassy hair without cutting your own afro. You can return to your usual look whenever you like. The short crest and tapered sides give a crisp, polished outline.
Inspiration: @iamtherealveronicab
15. Charming Blonde Frohawk Style
A dimensional blonde frohawk is daring yet feminine and easy to recreate at home. Secure the sides with blonde bobby pins, let the curls spring out in all directions and finish with a volumising hairspray. It works with casual or dressy outfits.
Inspiration: @curlfactor
16. Loc Petal Mohawk
Locs are arranged into petal-like loops along a mohawk and paired with twists for a one-of-a-kind design. Loc mohawks can be adjusted in length and pattern to suit any preference, from simple to decorative. Wrap the petals in a satin scarf at night so the loops keep their shape.
Inspiration: @dead.hair.care
17. Chic and Daring Fro
Smooth sides contrast with intricately twisted lengths on top, giving a faux hawk that feels special enough for a wedding or prom. Add glamorous makeup and statement accessories to complete the look. A small amount of edge control keeps the smooth sides crisp through the evening.
Inspiration: @vanlenore
18. Expressive Multi-Styled Frohawk
Cornrows along the sides lead into a mohawk that ends in a bubble ponytail. Combining scalp braids with curls creates a protective style that fits a wash-and-go routine. Hair needs some length to form the bubbles at the back.
Inspiration: @lindseylulala
19. Vivid Red Mohawk with Cornrows
Neat stitch braids on the sides frame vibrant burgundy curls on top for a cheeky, charming mohawk. The style suits medium to long hair, and extensions can be added for extra volume and length. Keep burgundy curls bright with a sulfate-free shampoo and cool rinses.
Inspiration: @slaysbyvic
20. Coily Mohawk with Undercut
A short tapered frohawk with an undercut shows off springy coils and longer bangs against faded sides. This easy short style suits young girls and adults alike. Regular trims keep the taper looking sharp. A curl sponge or twist brush helps define the coils on top in seconds.
Inspiration: @hairbytrinalondon
21. Lovely Everyday Frohawks
A blown-out afro mohawk has a rockstar attitude and lots of volume. Always use a reliable heat protectant before blow-drying to keep the natural coil pattern healthy and avoid heat damage. Stretching hair with a blow-dryer on medium heat and a comb attachment gives the fullest shape.
Inspiration: @modelesque_nic
22. Bantu Knots Mohawk
Tiny scalp twists lead into Bantu knots along the centre for a striking, adventurous mohawk. Mixing techniques creates something unique without making the style hard to maintain. Wrap the knots in a satin scarf at night.
Inspiration: @sheslocdnlove
23. Sassy Frohawk for Round Faces
A voluminous curly fauxhawk adds height and a long curly fringe, creating an elongated silhouette that balances round faces. It is a fresh way to wear an afro with very little effort. A pick worked gently at the roots lifts the crest without disturbing the curl pattern.
Inspiration: @carla_rautenbach_
24. Natural Beauty
A natural hair mohawk updo lets curls go wild on top while the sides stay controlled. The look is fun to wear and catches attention without complex styling. A curl defining cream keeps the crest springy.
Inspiration: @astoldbybrittanyd
25. Unique Mohawk Styles
Temporary red colour on top lets dark roots show through underneath for a bold but reversible change. Deep, dark hair carries vivid shades beautifully. Colour wax or spray-on dye is an easy way to test the idea first.
Inspiration: @Instagram
26. Purple Rain
A purple mohawk updo brings bold, fearless colour to natural hair. Dye everything a bright lavender or colour just one section. The shape stays simple, so the shade becomes the main focus without looking overdone.
Inspiration: @Instagram
27. Cropped Cut
Hair cut close to the scalp with slightly longer coils on top creates a mini mohawk. Tight curls rise naturally into the crest, giving a stylish shape with all the convenience of very short hair.
Inspiration: @Instagram
28. Braided Mohawk With Bantu Knots
Larger cornrows braided close to the scalp shape the sides of this mohawk and finish in playful Bantu knots. Using fewer, thicker braids instead of many thin ones speeds up installation and gives a bolder pattern.
29. Twisted Mohawk With Spider Web Braiding
Spider-web braiding and neat twists replace spikes in this elegant fauxhawk, ideal for proms and weddings. The idea stays the same as a classic mohawk, but the detailed design feels refined and feminine. Book an experienced braider, since the web pattern needs precise sectioning.
30. Simple and Classy Frohawk
Short natural hair is swept up at the sides and pinned securely to form a simple, classy frohawk. Fluff the curls on top to create the crest. It needs no complicated techniques and works for everyday wear.
Pinning a frohawk at home
- Start with moisturised, stretched or freshly defined hair so the crest has volume without frizz.
- Brush each side up towards the centre with a soft brush and a little gel or edge control.
- Secure the sides with bobby pins in a crisscross pattern, choosing pins that match your hair colour.
- Shape the curls on top with a pick or your fingers, then set with a light hairspray or foam.
Keeping braided and twisted sides healthy
Cornrows and twists on the sides let a mohawk last for weeks, but the hairline takes most of the tension. Ask for medium-sized braids rather than very tight micro rows at the temples, oil the scalp lightly and sleep in a satin bonnet or on a satin pillowcase to protect both the braids and the curls. Refresh the crest mid-week with a water and leave-in spray instead of re-wetting everything.